Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The visiting Mexican parliamentary delegation held a meeting with Azerbaijani MPs on January 13 to discuss possible ways to develop bilateral ties between the two countries, AzerTag news agency reported.

The Mexican delegation is headed by chair of the foreign relations committee of the Mexican Senate, Gabriela Cuevas Barrón.

Head of Azerbaijan's parliament commission on international affairs and inter-parliamentary ties, Samad Seyidov, said there are strong political ties between Azerbaijan and Mexico.

He said the visit of the Mexican Senate members will contribute to the development of the relations, adding that Azerbaijan intends to further develop relations with Mexico.

Barron, for her part, said that Mexico and Azerbaijan has had friendly relations over the years and mutual visits will further strengthen these ties.

Noting Azerbaijan's achievements in economic, political and other fields in recent years, Barron stressed on the importance of using the experience of the country.

She added that along with the political connections, the two states could also cooperate in cultural, health and education sectors.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on "Cooperation and inter-parliamentary dialogue."

On the same day, The Mexican delegation also met members of a joint inter-parliamentary working group and the parliamentary committee for human rights.

During the meeting, Barron expressed her country`s interest in deepening relations with Azerbaijan.

She said there was great potential for expanding bilateral ties, adding that Mexico is particularly determined to develop the two countries' relationship in the fields of tourism and economy.

Rabiyyat Aslanova, chair of the Azerbaijan's parliamentary committee for human rights, highlighted the history of the country's independence.

"In a short period of time Azerbaijan has gone through a rapid development path, emerging as the leading country in the region," she said.

She further touched upon the Azerbaijan-Mexico relations, praising the fact that the two countries built diplomatic ties 20 years ago.

Aslanova underlined the importance of reciprocal visits in terms of expanding the bilateral relations.

She provided an insight into the causes and consequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying it resulted in the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan`s lands by Armenia. Aslanova expressed regret over the fact that Armenia still ignores resolutions by international organizations, particularly the UN Security Council.

During the meeting between first vice-speaker of Azerbaijani parliament Ziyafat Asgarov and the Mexican delegation, the two sides noted that the cooperation between the two countries is rapidly developing.

Highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed on the same day, Asgarov said this document will serve as a legal basis for a new stage in the development of the two countries' inter-parliamentary relations.

Asgarov said so far a total of five documents were signed between the two countries, and another 26 are ready to be signed.

She also talked about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying that Armenia has neglected the decisions of the international organizations in regards to the settlement of the conflict.

Barron, in turn, expressed hope for peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in near future based on the principles of international law.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest during the meeting.

Mexico recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992. Azerbaijan's Embassy in Mexico was established in 2006.